Feeding Practices and Nutritional Rehabilitation Outcomes of Severely Acute Malnourished Children at a Stabilisation Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State

Severe acute malnutrition is a life-threatening condition requiring structured medical and nutritional rehabilitation guided by evidence-based protocols. This study examines feeding practices and nutritional rehabilitation outcomes of children with severe acute malnutrition admitted to the inpatient therapeutic feeding unit at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria. The prolonged humanitarian crisis in Borno State has created extreme nutritional vulnerability among children in displaced communities, contributing to high admission rates for severe acute malnutrition. A retrospective review of clinical and nutrition records of 200 children aged 6 to 59 months admitted over a twelve-month period was supplemented by prospective observations during inpatient care. Indicators assessed included time to achieve weight gain of five grams per kilogram per day, complications during rehabilitation including refeeding syndrome and secondary infections, median length of stay, discharge outcomes, and rates of recovery and mortality. Adherence to WHO Phase 1 and Phase 2 feeding protocols using therapeutic milks F-75 and F-100 was evaluated. Referral linkages to the outpatient therapeutic programme were assessed for continuity of care. Findings are expected to reveal suboptimal protocol adherence, high default rates, and inadequate follow-up post-discharge. The study recommends capacity building for therapeutic feeding unit staff and strengthened referral pathways in Borno State. Keywords: severe acute malnutrition, therapeutic feeding, nutritional rehabilitation, Maiduguri, inpatient care.